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In modern research, several brilliant minds investigate linear programming problems involving fuzzy variable quantities. Many researchers have turned to linear programming by fuzzy variables to address this problem. Various fuzzy simplex approaches have been developed, using ranking functions to handle fuzzy numbers. Results from this research suggest that linear ranking functions can provide a straightforward interpretation of problems involving linear programming by fuzzy variable quantities. To solve these types of problems, the Fuzzy Dual Simplex Tableau method is often applied, which proves useful for sensitivity analysis when modifications are made to the activity vectors of the fundamental columns. In this study, a numerical case is presented to demonstrate the potential benefits of this approach for future technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the difficulty of approximating the population average of a variable y by knowledge about a supplementary variable x in the context of two successive (rotation) sampling occasions. The paper proposes a group of exponential-class estimators that includes the regular balanced estimator, produce-class estimator, and proportion-class estimator and suggests that these estimators are superior to existing estimators. The paragraph also mentions that the paper discusses optimal substitute statements and then the implementation of the recommended estimators, which may be important considerations for practical applications of the proposed methods. Finally, an empirical study is mentioned as supporting evidence for the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ortho-xylene (o-xylene), a derivative of benzene and an important aromatic compound is applied as an anti-knocking agent in automobiles and jet engines. Knocking being a dynamical phenomenon that occurs at very high temperatures and high pressures, here we have reported the pump–probe technique based time-resolved Raman spectroscopy studies under laser-driven shock compression (high temperature and high pressure) along with the numerical simulation to understand the molecular level response of o-xylene under shock compression. The laser shock experiments carried out up to 4.1 GPa using confinement geometry target holder assembly show indication of three phase transitions, i.e., liquid–solid phase-I, solid phase-I–solid phase-II, and solid phase-II–solid phase-III at 1.2, 2.1, and 3.6 GPa, respectively. The shock velocities calculated for 700 mJ laser energy (corresponding pressure 2.5 GPa) using intensity ratios of Raman modes scattered from the shocked and whole region of the sample for 735 and 582 cm−1 Raman modes are 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.3 km/s, respectively, which is in close agreement with the shock velocity of 3.51 km/s determined using 1D radiation hydrodynamic numerical simulation. In addition, our high-pressure static compression studies on this compound employing diamond anvil cell up to 13 GPa show that this compound shows four possible phase transitions at 0.4, 0.9, 3.8, and 12 GPa pressures to solid phase I, II, III, and IV, respectively. On release, these phase transitions are reversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci species are known commensals of the gastrointestinal flora; however, in recent years, they have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens that possess many virulence factors that are attributed to the pathogenesis of diseases caused by them. The study evaluated and compared the virulence factors of Enterococci isolated from fecal and clinical samples. From the obtained isolates, the clinical enterococcal isolates produced 35%, 20%, and 50%, and fecal isolates produced 23%, 13%, and 13% gelatinase, hemolysin, and biofilm, respectively. Biofilm production determined by the Congo Red agar, tube, and microtiter plate methods was 23%, 39%, and 49%, respectively. The sensitivity of the Congo Red agar and tube method compared to the microtiter plate method was 27% and 46%, respectively, whereas the specificity of both tests was 79%. This study showed that biofilm production plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by Enterococci. Detection of biofilm production using the microtiter plate method is more sensitive and specific than the Congo Red agar and tube method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined-numeral nonlinearity coding problem (CNNLCP) troubles concerning usual restrictions and empirical roles and constant then numeral variable quantity frequently appear in a production project, substance method business, and organization. Even though several optimize techniques need to be established for CNNLCP troubles, these techniques can hold signal relationships together with a particular variable quantity. Thus, this analysis intends a different approach used to explain a signal CNNLCP trouble and set free variable amount towards achieving an internationally optimum explanation. The signal CNNLCP trouble is initially converted into an individual with one certain variable quantity. However, the changed trouble is redeveloped as a curving combined-numeral system as the Convexness of the approaches and piecewise linearization systems. A comprehensive optimal signal CNNLCP trouble can ultimately be realized inside the acceptable inaccuracy. Algebraic models are also introduced to establish the effectiveness of the recommended approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power transformers represent one of the most abundant and expensive components in the electric power industry. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of transformer is the most widely accepted diagnostic tool across the globe to understand insulation incipient failures. Nevertheless, DGA fault gas interpretation is a remarkable challenge for transformer owners and utility engineers. Several computational techniques have been adopted for DGA fault classification along with offline methods. However, limited data availability, high ambiguity in DGA interpretation, suitability, and model accuracy are critical challenges in the DGA fault classification using computational techniques. In this work, highly diverse and large DGA data samples of in-service transformer fleets from five different utilities have been used to develop an efficient fault classification methodology. A total of 4580 DGA samples and IEC TC 10 database are used for training and testing, respectively, for various machine learning algorithms. Discussions on performance indicators and evaluation of several algorithms to verify the most suitable class algorithms are also the focus of this work. Furthermore, a best-performing model is identified based on various performance indicators. The hyperparameters of the best model are further tuned to achieve a most precise fault classification. It is inferred that non-parametric methods and non-linear SVM are best suitable for transformer DGA fault classification. Importantly, the rankings in the present study suggest that transformer DGA fault prediction is better with ensemble learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of low pour point esters in transformers insulation serving in cold climatic regions is still a challenge. To address this concern, the pre-breakdown and breakdown analyses of thermally aged low pour point ester fluids are investigated. The breakdown measurements are performed at different aging conditions under AC stress. Needle-plane electrode geometry (with varying radii of the tip) is employed since this configuration is necessary for any practical diagnostic based on partial discharge (PD). This allows studying the effect of the chemical impurities (aging by-products) as assessed by some physicochemical properties (acidity, particles count, turbidity, and dissolved decay products) on the partial discharge and breakdown characteristics. The complete analysis is carried out for liquids having the pour points less than -50 °C, including a mineral oil (MO) and two synthetic ester liquids (SE1 and SE2). Changes in the streamer properties, such as partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV), breakdown-streamer inception voltage, and breakdown voltage are reported as a function of the needle tip radius and aging condition. It is observed that the breakdown properties of SE1 are better than that of SE2 and are comparable to MO. To understand the influence of aging on the PD, correlations between decay products, acidity, BSIV, and PDIV are reported. It is observed that the acidity and concentration of decay products directly impact the PD characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and Methods: All women seen at the Homerton Fertility Center, London (Site 1, n = 1787) and Hewitt Fertility Center, Liverpool (Site 2, n = 1258) in 15 months had serum AMH measured using the Access 2 fully automated benchtop immunoassay analyzer(Beckman Coulter Inc,) and a subset (n = 2031) were followed up to determine eggs collected and clinical pregnancy rates (CPR). AMH results were pooled and a table with 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles for each age group constructed. Based on Youden index, the optimal cut off for low responders (0–3 eggs), was 5.5 pmol/l (87% sensitivity, 55% specificity) and for high responders (>15 eggs) 15.6 pmol/l (78% sensitivity, 57% specificity). AMH correlated with number of eggs collected (r = 0.48) and clinical pregnancies (r = 0.14), (p <.0001). The table of AMH levels measured using the Access 2 fully automated immunoassay system according to age may be used as a reference and cutoff levels for high and poor responders are clearly defined to help tailor controlled ovarian stimulation, maximizing efficiency and ensuring patient safety. The use of a random access automated immunoassay system means that blood sampled on arrival can produce an AMH result in 40 mins by the time the subject enters the doctor's clinic together with other relevant endocrine markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (LPB), is an important insect pest of pigeon pea. Chemical pesticides are generally employed to manage this pest, but because of the soil residue issues and other environmental hazards associated with their use, biopesticides are also in demand. Another benign alternative is to use entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to manage this vital pest. In the present study, the infectivity of ten native EPNs was evaluated against LPB by assessing their penetration and production in the LPB. The effectiveness of the promising EPNs against second-, third- and fourth-instar LPB larvae was also studied. Heterorhabditis sp. (Indian Agricultural Research Institute-Entomopathogenic Nematodes Rashid Pervez (IARI-EPN RP) 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) were found to be most pathogenic to LPB, resulting in about 100% mortality within 72 h, followed by Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03 and 09). Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04) was found to be the least pathogenic to LPB larva with 67% mortality. Maximum penetration was exhibited by Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), whereas the lowest rate of penetration was exhibited by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01). The highest rate of production was observed with Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04 and 10). Among the tested instars of the LPB larvae, second-instar larvae were more susceptible to EPNs, followed by third- and fourth-instar larvae. The results indicate that Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) have a good potential to the manage LPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural ester dielectric fluids are being used as alternatives for mineral insulating oils in oil-filled power apparatuses. Although partial discharges (PDs) are recognised as one of the main causes of degradation of dielectrics used in power equipment, their characteristic voltages appear to be temperature-dependent. In this contribution, the pre-breakdown and breakdown behaviour of two natural ester fluids, extracted from canola oil (NE1) and soybean oil (NE2) is reported. To assess the effectiveness of the temperature dependence, −5, 0, and + 20°C have been identified as test temperatures. It was found that the different pre-breakdown and breakdown characteristic voltages increase with increasing temperature for both types of esters. The delay time is always longer for canola oil when compared to soybean oil regardless of the test temperature. The analysis of the average propagation velocity of NE1 and NE2 indicates that PDs propagate faster in NE2 than in NE1. The field strength at the tip of the needle electrode during the inception of the streamers leading to breakdown indicates that streamers in both oils are propagating in the slow mode. It is found that the temperature has a significant influence on the PDs' parameters for both fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural ester dielectric fluids are being used as alternatives for mineral insulating oils in oil‐filled power apparatuses. Although partial discharges (PDs) are recognised as one of the main causes of degradation of dielectrics used in power equipment, their characteristic voltages appear to be temperature‐dependent. In this contribution, the pre‐breakdown and breakdown behaviour of two natural ester fluids, extracted from canola oil (NE1) and soybean oil (NE2) is reported. To assess the effectiveness of the temperature dependence, −5, 0, and + 20°C have been identified as test temperatures. It was found that the different pre‐breakdown and breakdown characteristic voltages increase with increasing temperature for both types of esters. The delay time is always longer for canola oil when compared to soybean oil regardless of the test temperature. The analysis of the average propagation velocity of NE1 and NE2 indicates that PDs propagate faster in NE2 than in NE1. The field strength at the tip of the needle electrode during the inception of the streamers leading to breakdown indicates that streamers in both oils are propagating in the slow mode. It is found that the temperature has a significant influence on the PDs' parameters for both fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As per the voices in the precision manufacturing industries, the machining of brittle materials such as glass and diamond is intricate owing to their thermo-mechanical properties. Machining of the brittle material with a localized heating method produced softness in the work material during the operation, resulting in microcracks and voids on the finished surface due to thermal stresses. Such pressing issues are solved by dry machining with bulk heating. The objective of the present research is to develop a sophisticated lab-made portable multipurpose heating setup for enabling various potent applications such as machining, elevated temperature scratch and indentation tests, and grinding, among other things, on hard and brittle materials. The mentioned process is done by softening the material with preheating of the samples. The overall dimensions of the developed setup are 105 × 150 × 53 mm3. This setup has been evaluated at different temperatures of the 45S5 bioglass sample surface up to 426 °C and is capable of holding and heating the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the contemporary scenario and importance of alternative liquid dielectrics, IEEE DEIS Technical Committee on Liquid Dielectrics laid emphasis on pre-breakdown phenomena of ester dielectric fluids. The present article reports the background knowledge on the breakdown theories and behavior of streamers in insulating oils. The major influencing properties of the streamers aroused in liquid insulating systems are discussed keeping in view of the ester based dielectric fluids. Importantly, modelling of streamers, testing approaches, and review of pre-breakdown phenomena in ester dielectric fluids has been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two synthetic esters along with a natural ester are investigated to monitor the generation of colloidal and dissolved decay particles under thermal aging. The thermal aging of the oils is carried out as per a modified ASTM D1934 in the presence of cellulose and copper at elevated temperatures. Later, the colloidal and dissolved decay particles are monitored as per ASTM D1698 (centrifuge treatment) and ASTM D7150 (Fuller's earth filtration), respectively. The aged and treated dielectric liquids are characterized for the number of decay particles, oil absorbance curves, the concentration of dissolved decay content, and turbidity as per ASTM standards. The evolution of colloidal and dissolved decay contents is individually reported for ester fluids and mineral oils. The degradation in mineral oils has been witnessed by both dissolved and colloidal particles. The generation of colloidal particles following the degradation of ester fluids is almost negligible, whereas dissolved decay content is noticed with thermal degradation time. Importantly, the obtained results depict the ability of esters to dissolve more sludge. This is due to the high (oxidative) stability of ester leading to reduced radical decomposition products. Also, the temperature solvent nature of the ester group tends to dissolve sludge particles back to the liquid phase into the bulk liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-state, two-dimensional cellular automaton (2D CA) with uniform linear rules on 9-neighborhood renders multiple copies of any twodimensional binary image as an initial configuration. In total, there are 512 linear rules and these rules are classified into groups of nine basis of their capacities in producing the number of copies of a given image and these groups are Group-1, Group-2, · · ·, Group-9. All groups other than Group-1 have been found to be generating multiple copies for a given image at time t = 2n where n = 0. A relation was derived among the size of a binary image, neighborhood and exact time for replication (two non-overlapping copies) in one-dimensional cellular automaton (1D CA). In this paper, we classify the Group-2 rules into four classes based on the directions of the translation of two copies of an image on the grid. The four classes as Horizontal rules, Vertical rules, Diagonal rules and Combination rules. We have computed the exact time for replication of a given binary image for each class separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

129I (T 1/2 = 15.7 Ma) concentrations were measured in sediments from Lake Ontario, whose drainage basin contains a former nuclear fuel reprocessing facility. Three archived sediment cores had 129I concentrations from approximately 1 × 105 atoms/g in deeper sections to 1 × 109 atoms/g at the surface, elevated above the nuclear weapons testing signal for North America. 129I concentrations and 129I/127I ratios increase upwards and indicate a significant anthropogenic influence, with the vast majority of the 129I in each core being found near the surface. There is also some penetration into deeper sediment layers, with pre-nuclear 129I/127I ratios only reached at depths of 10–13 cm. The data show that Lake Ontario sediments are a repository for anthropogenic 129I from regional nuclear fuel reprocessing. The results point to the mobilization of iodine from anoxic, deeper sediment layers, shedding light on the geochemical behavior of iodine isotopes in Lake Ontario's sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to examine the effect of sliding speeds on the elevated temperature tribological performance of atmospheric plasma-sprayed Ni-Al-Ag-MoS2 (NAMB), Ni-Al-Ag-MoS2-5 wt.% hBN (NAMB5) and Ni-Al-Ag-MoS2-10 wt.% hBN (NAMB10) composite coatings, friction and wear tests were conducted against alumina ball as a counter face using 'a rotary ball on disk configuration' at a constant load of 5 N and different sliding speeds 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 m/s from room temperature (RT) to 800 °C using a high-temperature tribometer. Both coefficient of friction and wear rate were found to decrease with increasing speed from 0.3 to 0.7 m/s with a marginal increase beyond that for all the coatings. However, coating NAMB5 exhibited better lubricity in comparison with the other coatings at all sliding speeds and temperatures. The coefficient of friction recorded for this coating decreased from 0.51 to 0.23 at a sliding speed of 0.3 m/s and from 0.48 to 0.1 at a sliding speed of 0.7 m/s as the temperature was increased from RT to 800 °C. The results indicate the existence of a synergistic action of hBN in combination with Ag and MoS2 in providing lower friction and wear, thus highlighting the potential of hBN as an effective solid lubricant to stabilize the friction in a wide range of temperatures and speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intent of this work is to evaluate the influence of cellulose insulation paper on gassing tendency of transformer oil under electrical discharge conditions. For comprehensive enumeration, insulation oil was thermally stressed at 115°C as per ASTM D 1934 with a controlled thermal aging history. The thermally aged oils were considered for gassing tendency evaluation as per ASTM D 6180 (5 hours, 10 kV AC) in the presence of cellulose. Different cellulose Kraft paper proportions including 0, 10, 20, and 30% of aged oil were introduced in to discharge cell. Different cellulose proportions and aging conditions were considered to understand the impact of cellulose while understanding the decomposition aspects of insulation. Diagnostic measurements with those including dissolved gas analysis, moisture, interfacial tension, turbidity, dissolved decay contents, acidity, and dissipation factor were performed before and after gassing tendency evaluation. It was found that, cellulose paper aids significantly in increasing dissolved gases and moisture in oil during electrical discharge. Importantly, diagnostic measurements have shown the ability of paper to absorb certain decomposition products during the discharge process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A population density of Emerita asiatica in relation to sand organic carbon in the Nemmeli beach, East coast, Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu was studied. Specimens were collected once in a fortnight from April 2017 to March 2018 by hand picking method in the intertidal region of Nemmeli beach. The total sand organic carbon level was recorded once in a fortnight. The population presented a smaller incidence of males in relation to females (48.66:51.34); however, in May 2017 an inverse pattern occurred (73:27). Ovigerous females were present in all samples with greater frequencies in October and November 2017 whereas, the highest juveniles were present in May and September 2017. The variation noted in a population of Emerita asiatica showed there is a relationship to sand organic carbon fluctuations; it can be determined that the sand organic carbon fluctuations have an influence on the population density of this species in Nemmeli beach. Hence, the rather stable sand organic carbon throughout the year and moderate changes in the sand may well be conducive to population biology of Emerita asiatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Explicit description of measuring methods entitled "Dilatometry analysis" and "X-ray diffraction analysis" to study the performance of transformer solid insulation. • Thousand linear curves and coefficient of thermal expansion of cellulose pressboard aged in various insulating fluids using dilatometry have been reported for the first time. • Crystal size and crystallinity of cellulose kraft papers aged in various insulating fluids have been reported to estimate the exact magnitude of degradation. Abstract Physical degradation assessment of solid insulation in transformers is a challenge to the condition monitoring engineers. Solid insulation degradation in transformer is accessed indirectly by characterizing insulation oil. The present article describes application of dilatometry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis as direct methods to characterize the degradation of transformer solid insulation. Experimental aging on oil/paper insulation has been simulated in laboratory conditions at elevated temperatures. Thermal expansion and shrinkage behavior of cellulose pressboards aged in mineral oil, synthetic ester, and mixed oil have been reported using dilatometry analysis. Measurement of change in cellulose crystal size and relative crystallinity of cellulose kraft papers have been reported using XRD analysis. The detailed procedure and interpretation of the dilatometry and diffractograph signatures for accessing the degradation of solid insulation are explicitly discussed. It is inferred that, dilatometry and XRD analysis provide a direct physical degradation assessment of transformer solid insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study of alternate fluids for transformer and their combination with traditional ones is an interesting area of research. The intent of this work is to investigate the thermal ageing performance of ester oils (synthetic and natural), and mixed oil vis‐à‐vis mineral oil. All the samples were thermally stressed at 110, 140, 160, and 185°C for 2 weeks each. Dissolved decay contents in oil and linear thermal expansion coefficients of solid insulation have been studied using ultraviolet visible infrared spectroscopy and dilatometry analysis, respectively, as per ASTM standards. Change in functional groups of the insulation oils with ageing have been understood by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Additionally, diffusion of oil–moisture mixture into paper with ageing and the corresponding effect on dielectric strength of paper has been also examined using ASTM standards. It is observed that the use of synthetic ester (SE) and addition of SE to mineral insulating oil lead to improved performance of oil–paper insulation system with retarding the rate of degradation of the insulation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, thermal aging aspects of mineral oil, ester oils (synthetic and natural), mixed oil have been reported. All the samples were thermally stressed at 110°C, 140°C, 160°C, and 185°C for 2 weeks each. Concentration of dissolved decay contents in oil, flash point of insulation oil, and linear thermal expansion coefficients of solid insulation with aging have been studied using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, flash point and dilatometry analysis respectively. Change in functional groups of the insulation oils with aging have been understood by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. Additionally, diffusion of oil-moisture mixture into paper with aging and corresponding effect on dielectric strength of paper has been also examined. Further, design and monitoring aspects of ester and mixed oil filled transformers have been also emphasized. It is observed that ester dielectric fluids and ester content as an additive in mineral oil improves the performance of solid insulation. Importantly, blended oil offer an advantage of retarding the degradation of oil as well as solid insulation accompanied by reduced cost of oil when compared to pure synthetic esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a highly vascular histologically benign, locally aggressive neoplasm of the nasopharynx. It accounts for 0.5% of all head and neck neoplasms with a high incidence of persistence and recurrence. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective observational study whereby the medical records of 32 patients treated for Juvenile angiofibroma between May 2010 and August 2016 were reviewed. Results: This study included patients aged between 13-25 years average was 19 years. More than 10 cases were in 14-18years group. This age group exhibits rapidity of growth high incidence of recurrence and early involvement of neibouring structures such as pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal region and cheek. In 16 cases out of 32 there were attachments of tumor on the roof of nasopharynx. And 8 cases had attachments on the choana. Nasal obstruction and epistaxis is the most common symptom observed in study. CECT was the most common imaging modality utilized for diagnosis and staging of JNA and it was required in all cases. MRI was utilized as an additional investigation in cases with intracranial extention and was required in 37.5% of cases. Postoperative complications were not serious and only included malar defect, ectropion, epiphora and palatal defect. Total complication rate in all was about 28.2%, seen in 11 out of 32 patients. 7 patients were diagnosed with recurrence, with a recurrence rate of about 30%. These recurrences were diagnosed at varying intervals of follow-up 4 out of 13 cases with Stage IIIa and 3 out of 4 cases with Stage IVb diagnosed with recurrence. Conclusion: Radiologic follow-up is essential in the early identification of residual or recurrent disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the major cereals consumed throughout the world; there has been a radical increase in the population suffering from many wheat-related disorders. The present study was conducted to screen low immunogenic hexaploid and tetraploid wheat varieties. A total of 34 different wheat varieties were tested for its total protein content, gliadin content and immunoreactivity with immunoglobulins of celiac (IgA) and wheat allergy patients (IgE). The wheat varieties HD-2851 and NIAW-917 (hexaploid) and NIDW-295, UAS-428, PDW-291, MPO-1215 and DDK-1025 (tetraploid) were found to be less immunoreactive varieties for both celiac and wheat allergy patients. The immunoblot assays for IgE reactivity have revealed that gliadin subunits present in all varieties are found to be allergic proteins. The principal component analysis biplot showed that tetraploid wheat varieties are less immunoreactive than hexaploids. The low immunogenic wheat varieties are suitable for plant breeding and preparation of low gluten or hypo-immunogenic products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, evolution of ester dielectrics highlighting the significant contributions towards replacement of mineral oils with ester oils was discussed. The citations listed in this survey provide a representative sample to current scenario pertaining to ester dielectrics in transformer insulation technology. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis highlighting the degradation rate of insulation paper in the presence of typical dielectric liquids, UV spectroscopy analysis of oils, interfacial tension variations, and diffusion characteristics of insulation paper were experimentally found by simulating accelerated thermal stresses. Furthermore, future challenges and outlook in accommodating ester dielectric liquids for safer and effective transformer technology were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study reports experimental study of cellulose performance in mixture of mineral and synthetic ester (SE) oils. Solid insulation impregnated with mineral oil (MO) and mixture oil has been subjected to accelerated thermal stresses to understand the deterioration rate of cellulose. Diffusion of oil–moisture mixture into paper and corresponding variation in dielectric strength of paper has been examined. Compatibility of solid insulation with MO and mixture oil is analysed by thermal expansion coefficients, X‐ray diffraction analysis and dissolved decay products. Furthermore, chemical functional groups present in aged oils are identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. It is observed that the performance of cellulose insulation is improved with addition of SE to MO. This is achieved by higher water solubility of esters, which enables higher moisture consumption during hydrolysis and keeps cellulose dry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports experimental study of cellulose performance in mixture of mineral and synthetic ester (SE) oils. Solid insulation impregnated with mineral oil (MO) and mixture oil has been subjected to accelerated thermal stresses to understand the deterioration rate of cellulose. Diffusion of oil–moisture mixture into paper and corresponding variation in dielectric strength of paper has been examined. Compatibility of solid insulation with MO and mixture oil is analysed by thermal expansion coefficients, X-ray diffraction analysis and dissolved decay products. Furthermore, chemical functional groups present in aged oils are identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. It is observed that the performance of cellulose insulation is improved with addition of SE to MO. This is achieved by higher water solubility of esters, which enables higher moisture consumption during hydrolysis and keeps cellulose dry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work mineral oil, natural ester, synthetic ester and a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic ester have been subjected to accelerated thermal stressing in presence of copper and cellulose. All these samples were subjected to 110°C, 150 °C, 170 °C and 200 °C thermal stressing for different test durations. Thermal degradation of the samples has been monitored continuously with UV Spectroscopy and visual inspections. Additionally interfacial tension of mineral oil and mixture oil has been monitored under the same test conditions to observe the miscible performance of the fluids. It has been found that the degree of degradation is less with synthetic esters than other samples. Interfacial tension and visual observations revealed less sludge formation in synthetic esters. Furthermore, aged insulation paper has been analyzed using X- ray diffraction technique to find the degradation rate of cellulose in various insulating fluids. It has been found that the rate of degradation is low in synthetic ester and performance of mixed oil is better than mineral oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) is one of the most important and oldest medicinal plants known to man in the world. The main origin and center of the gene pool of this plant is the Mediterranean region, especially Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the drug interaction of chamomile with routine chemical drugs. Consumption of chamomile with anticoagulants, sedatives, drugs requiring GI absorption, and iron supplementations causes drug interactions. Concomitant use of chamomile with these chemicals should be used with caution to prevent drug interactions and side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate (SA) and Hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC) blend membranes(SA/HPC) were prepared by solution casting method, followed by crosslinking with gluteraldehyde (GA), were tested for the pervaporation (PV) dehydration of isopropanol. The blend membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (X-RD) to assess intermolecular interactions and crystallinity. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) confirms that the stability increased with increase of SA content in SA / HPC blend membranes. The morphology of membranes was characterized by SEM studies, to confirm the chemical interaction and compatibility of these blend membranes. Sorption studies were carried out to evaluate the extent of interaction and degree of swelling of the membranes, in pure liquids as well as in mixtures of water and isopropanol. Pervaporation dehydration using crosslinked SA-HPC blend membranes were evaluated by the varying experimental parameters i.e., feed composition and membrane thickness. It was found that blend membrane containing 20 wt% HPC (SA-HPC-20) gave a high selectivity of 1314 and that the flux is of 0.1884 Kg /m² h for 10 wt % water containing feed mixture. Comparatively, a low selectivity of 607 was observed for pristine cross linked SA membrane with the same feed mixture. Flux of the pristine SA membrane increased from 0.092 to 0.137 Kg / m²h. For SA-HPC-20 membranes, flux increased from 0.1884 to 0.2879 Kg / m²h over the studied feed water compositions of 10-17.5 wt%. From the above results, it is concluded that the present blend membranes are a promising candidates for Pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is one of the most prevalent biological transition metals, and plays a fundamental role in the biochemistry of the human nervous system. Without its catalytic presence, in trace or ultra trace amounts, many biochemical reactions would not take place. Copper becomes potentially toxic to cells when its concentration surpasses normal levels, because at higher concentrations, it generates free radicals (ROS). ROS damages DNA by breaking the DNA strands or modifying the bases and/or deoxyribose sugars, leading to conformational changes and stability of DNA. These conformational changes in DNA may lead to DNA stability in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In this review, we have focused on copper induced conformational change in DNA and DNA damage, and its implications on Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The usefulness of carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer ( CRC) is unclear. The aim was to analyze changes in the expression of CEA during CRC progression and metastasis, so as to determine the influence of tumor metastatic organ on the CEA expression by CRC cells. Methods The human biopsies of adenocarcinomas in colon and CRC liver and lung metastases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CEA. Expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was also analyzed to localize the CRC neoplastic glands in metastatic tissues. Results The CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver expressed significantly higher amount of CEA compared with crypts in normal colon. In contrast, CRC neoplastic glands formed in lung expressed low CEA level. However, CEA expression was high in areas of tumor necrosis in lung. E-cadherin and β-catenin were cell membrane-bound in normal crypts and CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver. Although these two proteins were also cell membrane-bound in a majority of CRC neoplastic glands in lungs, a significant proportion of these expressed β-catenin in the nucleus, which lacked either E-cadherin or β-catenin at the cell membrane. Conclusion Our findings indicate that lung microenvironment is unique in that it suppresses the expression of CEA by CRC cells forming neoplastic glands. In addition, lung microenvironment promotes nuclear localization of β-catenin, suggesting that the Wnt signaling pathway is relatively active highly in CRC metastasized to lung, when compared with liver or colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effort has been made to screen the secondary metabolites, comparative superoxide radical scavenging and reducing potency of Persea americana using various solvent extracts. The fruit was extracted with various solvents. The extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals and free radical scavengers, viz. carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, total phenol, proteins, reducing sugars and sterols. Antioxidant capacity was analyzed in terms of superoxide radial scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Screening of secondary metabolites of the different extracts revealed the presence of the phytochemicals-alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, sterol, saponin glycosides, reducing sugars, proteins, cardio active aglycones and cardinolides. Tremendous superoxide radical scavenging ability found in almost all extracts of P.americana. In the present study superoxide radical reduces nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) to a blue coloured formazan that is measured at 560 nm. Free radical scavenging activity has been reported to be concomitant with development of reducing power. This shows that extracts might contain reductones like ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, thiol group containing protein which could react with free radicals to stabilize and terminate radical chain reaction. These outcomes advocate that the promising phytonutrients of the plant could be subjugated against oxidative stress, cancer, ageing, ischemic heart disease in melting thrombus, microbial infections and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alleviating their use in traditional medicine as nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and Objective: CYP2C19*17 allele increases the metabolic activity of CYP2C19 resulting in decreased therapeutic levels of CYP2C19 substrates. There exist inter-ethnic differences in the distribution of this allele. The present study was aimed at establishing the allele and genotype frequencies of CYP2C19*17 in a South Indian Tamilian population. Furthermore, we describe the haplotype structure of the three common variant alleles of CYP2C19 in the Tamilian population. Methods: Two hundred and six subjects of South Indian Tamilian origin were genotyped for CYP2C19*17 allele by nested polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. A subset of 87 subjects were also genotyped for CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles. After ascertaining linkage disequilibrium (LD), haplotypes were constructed. Allele and genotype frequencies, LD pattern and haplotype frequency were compared with those of the HapMap populations. Results and Discussion: The CYP2C19*17 allele frequency in the Tamilian population ( n = 206) was found to be 19·2% (95% CI: 15·4 - 20·3). The CYP2C19*2 allele frequency ( n = 87) was found to be 40·2% (95% CI: 32·9 - 47·5), whereas the CYP2C19*3 allele was not detected in the study subjects ( n = 97). The high frequency of the CYP2C19*17 allele in the study population has resulted in a revision of frequencies for CYP2C19*1/*2 (31·0%) and CYP2C19*1/*1 (16·1%) genotypes in the Tamilian population. We also observed significant differences in haplotype structure and frequencies of these variant alleles in the HapMap population compared to Tamilian population. What is new and conclusion: CYP2C19*17 allele is present at high frequency in the Tamilian population. This study also demonstrates the need for reassessment of wild-type allele frequencies in view of CYP2C19*17 allele. The estimated high frequency of CYP2C19*17 allele will aid in genotype-phenotype association studies in the Tamilian population. Further genotype-phenotype association studies are required to evaluate the clinical utility of this allele in South Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An attempt has been made to evaluate the antimitotic activity of Solanum torvum. The studies were extended to human cells using MCF-7- Human mammary gland breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods: Preliminary antimitotic screening was done using Allium cepa root tip assay. The herbal powder obtained from various plant parts-dry leaves, dry fruits and fresh fruits were extracted with various solvents. The antimitotic activity was analysed using Allium cepa root meristematic cells. Experiments were carried out with incorporation of folic acid in the extract. Folic acid inhibited the antimitotic activity of S.torvum extract. Findings: The results obtained were compared with methotrexate-a known anticancer drug. Extracts of S.torvum was found to be extremely effective in the prevention of cell proliferation of the mammary gland breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Discussion: The pronounced antimitotic and anticancer activities of S.torvum was due to its potential antioxidant property especially by the key role of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, steroidal saponin glycoside, alkaloids and flavonoids. Active principle sterol has been separated by TLC. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the promising antioxidant properties of the plant could be exploited in herbal preparations against oxidative stress, ageing, Ischemic heart disease in dissolving thrombus, microbial infections, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cancer justifying their use in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Galectin-1 (gal-1) is an important molecule secreted by many tumors, which induces apoptosis in activated T-cells and promotes tumor angiogenesis, both of which phenomena facilitate successful establishment of tumor in the body. However, little is known about the function of intracellular gal-1 or its transcriptional regulation in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we demonstrate that gal-1 expression is epigenetically regulated in CRC through promoter hypermethylation. Intracellular gal-1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in CRC cells with concomitant down-regulation of Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Together, these data suggested that gal-1 silencing imparts CRC with the ability to proliferate and escape apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the anxiolytic activity of NR-ANX-C, a standardized polyherbal formulation containing the extracts of Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Camellia sinensis, Triphala, and Shilajit in ethanol withdrawal- (EW-) induced anxiety behavior in rats. Ethanol dependence in rats was produced by substitution of drinking water with 7.5% v/v alcohol for 10 days. Then, ethanol withdrawal was induced by replacing alcohol with drinking water, 12 hours prior to experimentation. After confirming induction of withdrawal symptoms in the alcohol deprived animals, the anxiolytic activity of the test compound in graded doses (10, 20, and 40mg/kg) was compared to the standard drug alprazolam (0.08 mg/kg) in the elevated plus maze and bright and dark arena paradigms. In our study, single and repeated dose administration of NR-ANX-C reduced EW-induced anxiety in a dose-dependent manner. Even though the anxiolytic activity was not significant at lower doses, NR-ANX-C at the highest dose tested (40mg/kg) produced significant anxiolytic activity that was comparable to the standard drug alprazolam. Based on our findings we believe that NR-ANX-C has the potential to be used as an alternative to benzodiazepines in the treatment of EW-induced anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study examined whether cortisol measures are associated with the clinical course of depression in adolescents. Furthermore, the study evaluated whether the relationship between cortisol and clinical course is moderated by environmental stress and/or social support.Method: Fifty-five adolescents with depression (age range 13-18 years) were recruited. In addition to a systematic diagnostic assessment, information was obtained on environmental stress and social support. Urinary free cortisol measures were collected on three consecutive nights during the index episode. Clinical follow-up evaluations were conducted at regular intervals over a 5-year period, documenting recovery from the index depressive episode and recurrent episodes. Information on environmental stress and social support also was gathered during each follow-up assessment.Results: Consistent with prior reports, the majority of adolescents (92.2%) recovered from the initial depressive episode. A substantial proportion of the recovered youth (42.6%) experienced a subsequent episode during the follow-up period. Higher cortisol levels were associated with a longer time to recovery from the index depressive episode. The effect of cortisol on recovery was moderated by social support. The combination of elevated cortisol and recent stressful experiences predicted recurrence, whereas a higher level of social support was protective against recurrence.Conclusions: These data, in conjunction with prior literature, suggest that depression reflects an underlying neurobiological vulnerability that may predispose individuals with high vulnerability to chronic, recurrent episodes. Psychosocial factors, independently or in combination with an underlying neurobiological vulnerability, also play an important role in determining the clinical course of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote user authentication and key agreement system through smartcard is a viable practical solution to validate the eligibility of a remote user and thus to provide a secure communication. This paper suggests a Secure Authenticated Key Exchange Protocol (SAKEP) for Credential Sen/ices. The major intrinsic worth of this scheme include that, the system do not require any verification table and the user is at liberty to choose and change the password. Further, with this system, the computation and communication costs are lower as the scheme adopts one-way hash functions, block ciphers and smartcard. In addition, the proposed scheme offers mutual authentication between the server and the user by a nonce-based plan and is free from timesynchronisation problem. The proposed scheme is secured against Id-theft, also resists to replay attacks, stolen verifier attacks, guessing attacks, reflection attack, and offers forward secrecy and known-key security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Time resolved Raman spectroscopy of CS 2 under extreme conditions at molecular level has been done. • The phase transitions under high pressure has been studies. • One dimensional hydrodynamic simulation is performed to validate the experimental data. • The resonance Raman effect under the influence of pressure and temperature is measured. • The temperature of the sample under shock loading is measured using intensity ratios of stokes and anti-stokes Raman modes of CS 2 and the influence of resonance Raman cross section on temperature measurement is also presented. High-resolution time-resolved Raman spectroscopy of laser-shocked liquid carbon disulfide (CS 2) is reported. The symmetric stretching mode (ν 1) and first overtone of the bending mode (2 ν 2) of CS 2 at 656 cm−1 and 802 cm−1 wavenumbers respectively are analyzed to monitor the possible phase transitions occurring in the sample during shock wave propagation in the pressure range 0.4 – 4.4 GPa by varying the laser intensity on target from 0.2 GW/cm2 (40 mJ) to 6.4 GW / cm2 (1300 mJ). A liquid to solid phase transition is observed at 1.5 GPa, as compared to 0.8 GPa in static compression. The difference in these measurements is thought to be due to the high temperatures involved in the dynamic compression experiments described. The shock wave velocities in CS 2 at 1.5 GPa and 2.6 GPa are calculated by measuring the intensity ratio of Raman modes emerging from the shocked region to that of the whole sample. 1D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations are performed to corroborate the experimental data. Enhancement of the Raman cross-section of carbon disulfide is observed from 2.5 GPa, which is much lower than the previously reported threshold of 8 GPa as reported by Yoo et al., [24]. This discrepancy in results is thought to be due to the significant contribution of temperature along with the pressure in laser-driven nanosecond single shock experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the theory of instantaneous symmetrical components is applied to explore various control strategies of load compensation, under different supply voltages. When the supply voltages are balanced and sinusoidal, all of these strategies converge to the same compensation characteristics. However, when the supply voltages are not balanced sinusoids, these control strategies result in different degrees of compensation in harmonics, power factor, neutral current, and compensator ratings. These control strategies are discussed in detail and a comparative study of their performance in terms of the rms value, total harmonic distortion, power factor of source currents, and compensator ratings is presented. Based on this study, it is possible to select the best strategy to meet the required load compensation characteristics for available supply voltages. A three-phase four-wire distribution system supplying an unbalanced and nonlinear load is considered for simulation study. The detailed simulation results using MATLAB are presented to support the proposed compensation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the India's space program. A brief history of the country's space program is presented. The space program under the Department of Space has grown to about 17,000 people distributed in five major centres, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

Focuses on the emergence of biological response modifiers that block inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) causing symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Overview of RA; Description of some anti-TNF agents; Other targeted therapies in clinical trials; Side effects of biological response modifiers.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a drug-translocating ATPase responsible for multidrug resistance in cancer. Although it is well-established that Pgp exhibits drug-dependent ATPase and ATP-dependent drug transport functions, the mechanism by which these two reactions are coupled remains unclear. We have shown recently that proteolytic cleavage of the linker region, which joins the NH[sub 2] and COOH halves of the Pgp molecule, results in a Pgp form that exhibits drug-independent and -dependent ATPase activities (Nuti et al., (2000) Biochemistry 39, 3424-3432; Nuti, S. L., and Rao, U. S. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 29417-29423). To understand the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we used the procedure of vanadate-mediated trapping of the Pgp transport cycle intermediates to determine the steps in the catalytic cycle that are being regulated by the linker region. We show that vanadate stably traps Pgp under two different conditions, one in the presence of ATP alone and the other in the presence of ATP and drug, suggesting the existence of two Pgp conformations. These two conformations, one mediating basal and the other drug-stimulated ATPase reactions, represent different transport cycle intermediates of Pgp, because arresting Pgp in either conformation prevents the catalytic cycle from proceeding to completion. The results also show that these two conformations are uncoupled and appear simultaneously in Pgp that was cleaved in the linker region. These results together suggest that Pgp assumes at least two distinct conformational states, which catalyze two ATP hydrolysis events in the drug transport cycle, and the linker region mediates the transition between these two states of Pgp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim: In vivo regulatory features of AnRP, a repressor for the cgxA gene, were characterized. Methods and Results: Titration of AnRP by introducing multiple copies of its specific binding sequence ‘TTGACAAAT’ into an Aspergillus nidulans strain containing the Chaetomium gracile cgxA gene enhanced the cgxA gene expression. AnRP functions independently of and cooperatively with CreA to modulate the cgxA gene expression. Conclusions: AnRP is a CreA-independent negative regulatory factor controlling the cgxA expression. Significance and Impact of the Study: Xylanases of filamentous fungi have received increased interest because of their potential biotechnological applications. Elucidation of the factors involved in the regulation of the xylanolytic genes in fungi will help to increase levels of xylanase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitive, rapid and species-specific diagnosis of Brugia infections in humans or animal models is important in determining the level of parasitemia and the efficacy of chemotherapy or vaccinations. The Hha I family of highly repeated DNA sequences from Brugia have been useful in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis of brugian filarial infections in blood samples and in mosquitoes. A PCR assay was developed using a biotinylated primer, a non-biotinylated primer and a species-specific chemiluminescent probe [tris{2,2′bipyridine} ruthenium (II) chelate, TBR] to detect PCR amplified Hha I family repeats. Individual blood samples from jirds infected with Brugia malayi or B. pahangi and with different levels of microfilaremia were tested in this assay. Known concentrations ofBrugia DNA and DNA from the blood of uninfected control jirds were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The PCR products generated by this method were analyzed using a semi-automated quantitative (Q)-PCR system. The levels of parasite DNA can be calculated from the luminosity units generated. Significant amounts of parasite DNA were detected in blood samples from infected jirds, and these values were correlated with the levels of microfilaremia. In contrast, reductions in circulating microfilaria following treatment with ivermectin correlated with low levels of measurable DNA. Using this system, we were also able to detect Hha I repeat DNA in the spleens of B. pahangi - infected jirds at 56 days post-infection when circulating microfilariae were not readily detectable. The results indicate that the species-specific Hha I Q-PCR detection and quantification method is rapid and sensitive, is useful in the detection of Brugia DNA in blood and other tissues and is suited for use in clinical settings because it does not require radioactive isotopes and gel-based protocols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present paper, a new multi-criterion-based fuzzy logic (FL) model has been proposed to determine the health index and health status of power transformers. To facilitate an effective decision-making environment, the proposed model incorporates multi-criterion analysis and various diagnostic parameters concerning the transformer. Most significant parameters of the oil-paper insulation that represents the degradation as potential aging markers have been considered for developing the proposed model. In addition to these, other parameters including visual inspection, oil age, and the number of faults detected are also included in the loop. To validate the proposed model, monitoring data of 200 in-service identical transformers that belong to the local utility have been adopted. Comparison has been made between the output health indices of the present proposed method and the diagnostic expert model proposed previously by the author's group. The similarity index of the results in both models is found to be 94%. It is observed that existing fuzzy logic methods have shortcomings such as a large number of rules and complexity issues. Thus, routing to an inaccurate and non-reliable output. However, it is inferred that multi-criterion analysis along with FL may certainly overcome all such shortcomings. It is envisioned that the proposed model is accurate and reliable. Importantly, the proposed model is simple with less computational effort and is easily adoptable by the utilities and engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which seeks to demonstrate the interdependence of interactions of ligands that participate in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis and drug-transport reactions in the vanadate-induced inhibition of P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Materials and methods of the study; Results of the study; Summary.